Cellulite
Cellulite or lumpy deposits of fat-appears to affect mostly Caucasian women, even those of a normal weight.
Histologically the area is seen to contain many damaged collagen fibres, and it is thought that the damaged tissue matrix allows for outpouching of fingers of fat cells - the “lumps” - whereas the large dimples are caused by tethering of the skin. Smaller areas of orange peel skin eg front of thighs- may represent areas with impaired drainage of lymphatic fluid.
Treatments have historically been geared towards lymphatic drainage massage (endermologie); until the development of radiofrequency lasers, (such as the Accent XL laser) with wavelengths that penetrate into the fatty layers,stimulating remodelling of new collagen in the storage matrix, and improving the microcirculation, allowing better drainage of the affected areas.
Laser treatment may be enhanced by micro-injections of hyaluronidase or collagenase into tethered areas of skin such as dimples